Money experts argue plans to scrap plans 1p and 2p coins will hit vulnerable people and those on the low-incomes hardest

But money experts are arguing the decision will hurt households that are already struggling the most.

Ricky Willis, the founder of money blog SkintDad, reckons scrapping the coins will affect the elderly and households with an income of less than £15,000 per year.

He told the Sun Online: "I have seen a trend that many people on lower incomes use cash to pay for their day-to-day essentials as it makes it easier to budget.

"Coppers do get put into savings jars and get spent during harder times or towards the end of the month when money is tighter.

PA:Press Association

The future of the coins and note hangs in the balance after the Chancellor announced a review into the role of cash as today's Spring Statement

He added that scrapping the pennies could also have an impact on the cost of items.

Mr Willis said: "Something for 99p will round up to £1 when you pay in cash. While it's only one penny they add up over time and, when you budget every penny, this will hurt households who already struggle."

Official figures show that there are 2.7 million people who are entirely reliant on cash.

According to Sarah Pennells, the founder of UK's leading money website SavvyWoman.co.uk, over half of those who only use cash have a total household income of less than £15,000 a year.

She told the Sun Online: "For many of those who rely on cash, every penny does count.

"I can understand that there’s quite a cost to making 1p and 2p coins that many people don’t spend, but any plans to do away with them mustn’t penalise those on the lowest incomes."

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"I can’t imagine the end result being that shops round their prices down!".

Jane Tully, director of external affairs at the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said that it is "crucial" that the impact on people who may not have access to a bank account or use card payments is considered in any proposals to potentially scrap the use of 1 and 2p coins.

She added:“Many people will not be affected by this, and while there is greater use of contactless payments now, for those people who are financially excluded, this potential change could make more of a difference than you might think."

Sarah Coles a personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that coppers play a small but "vital role" in the nation's saving habits.

One in six of the coins are used once before leaving circulation and in many cases because people collect their small change at the end of the week, and add it to their savings jar.

“If the government goes ahead, it will directly hit the vulnerable people who rely on charities to feed, clothe, house and care for them.”

Yesterday's consultation on cash and the future of digital payments put the future of our coppers into question.

It claims that 500 million 1p and 2p coins fall out of circulation every year, meaning that the Royal Mint has to replace them.

Of course, this isn't set in stone - it's all part of a review that anyone can give feedback on.

If you do, you can get in touch via the Treasury website and you have until June 5 2018.

​'UK economy has grown every year since 2010​' - the Chancellor Philip Hammond ​presents the Spring​ ​Budget ​to the Commons

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